NEWS AND NOTES.

Manawatu Times, Volume V, Issue 107, 12 January 1881, Page 2

NEWS AND NOTES.

Erratum, — Mr. David M'Ewen's letter which appeared J n our last issue, wa3 so mutilated by the omission of a page of manuscript, and some typographical blunders, that at his request, we have printed it again. Palmerston Domain.— -A meeting of the members of the Pnlmerston Domain Board was held on Monday, when it was resolved to have the ground cut up into twoacre sections and leased for twenty-one years. The Chairman was therefore author ised to have the land surveyed without delay. Karere Sabbath School.— We understand that a pic-nic m connection with the Karere Sabbath School, is to take place on next Saturday, m Mr. Linton'e paddock, Burnside. The vi»itor3 are expected to as semble at one o'clock, and we hope the Clerk of the Weather will be m good humor on the occasion, and smile upon the festivities. A Field Day. — To-day may be looker! upon as a regular field clay at the Resident Magistrate's Court, as there are four canes of hoi'de-otealing to be preferred against. Laing and Hargrenves, both whom are at present m Wanganui Gaol, and will no doubt arr've by tli* mid-uny tivii-i. We unrltrottincl Mr. Perkins hus been retained for the defence. Explanation and Apology. — Upon inquiring into the reason why we did not get the notice for the sale of booths, we find that Mr. Snelson was entively blameless, and that the omission was the mistake of a committee-man, but quite unintentional. We have apologised to Mr. Snelson privately, an 3 we now do so publicly. The Canine Crusade. — The Doe Inspector for the County paid a most suc-t-esfiful visit to Folding on Monday, securing no less than seventy-three registration.*, which represented something like a benefit of £54 to the County funds. He will be making a tour of the Borough within a day or two, so owners of dogs had better be prepared, or beware. Something Like a Flock. —We understand thata number of woolly visitors, m the shape of a flock of 4000 slieep may be expected to pass through Palmerston m a few days. They are on their travels from the Napier side, and intended for Mr. Abbot's run. A Want Supplied.— For some considerable time great inconvenience has been experienced through the want of a competent Native interpreter at Palmerston. We are pleased to learn, then, that Mr. E. Dixon has taken the necessai'y steps for obtaining a license, with a view of acting as Native land ageut and interpreter. Mr. Dixon, we believe, is a native of Auckland, and speaks Maori fluently and correctly. Maoris from Taupo.— On Sunday nfttrnoon a cavalcade of Natives passed through Pnlmerston, on their way to Awapuni. There were about fifty of them— men. women, and children — riding m single file, and the variegated dresses and head-gears of the ladies presented a very striking contrast to their travel- stained appearance, which gave ample index that it had been some weeks since a toilet had been indulged m. They had come all the way from Taupo, and their unfortunate horses looked at if they had quite enough of travelling. Resumed Duty.— By the first train on Monday morning, Mr. Charles Batt — who has beon rusticating on leave at Palmerston for* the past week — took his depnrture for Wanganui, the scene of his future labors. Of all the officials upon the Manawatu Line there is not one so well known or more appreciated thnn Mr. Bait, ana his permanent removal from his district I will be a source of extreme regret to every one with whom he has been brought into contact. The Anniversary Races.— At a ground r-ommittee meeting, held Messrs. King Brothers' st;re. the folV-wing tenders were'aeeept.erl for work to be dmie m connection with the itbove races : — The erect ion of grand stand nnd band stand, Munro and Co., £10 10s. Fencing, &c, John Rush, erecting fewe nt. 5/ per chain : mowing and clearing i-our-e, £1 10s ; making an. l fixing two gntes. 9/; PMvM'ng twenty j>.|c?, 10/. The limber h".* i»'df-pd : *<• :'■.:.• inn frf*v c!-iy.« fho naiik'ck km.ily ifhi r\-: >!:\ j j-:,vil-j 'will f'.Pi'uri-n! qu'.v m ivc;i-c i:.--- :>;>- i .ir^rkTVft. _ j An '^xtraordtuaty u':C^yrci\c;:, i !ii.-m<: tiio ilioile winch i.ci, ]■:■■■■■■■ !;;■<<•. 7 'I-, fi ll'll'i "■? \-' ■■■'.':• ■- '• ■'■■■■■■'■■•■ ■ i M--:i:!ui!;...n, lit iJcii-1:-. j !'."■••■ ■• ■- • ■-'■'■■ ■ *•'■'■'' - 1.-tjer el' v.vii \ii--u; tiv,- \w- lln.l; 1 >>• th;(:e, feet. Last yea»'« crop remainedj but aMW '

one came up this Spring, and now, between the mud and the original surface, is a fine crop of potatoes. The first crop remain la the ground, while the others are being dug, and Mr. D. M'JEwen, informs us that he has new eaten better, and seldom as good, potatoes. We hare always known that Karere and Jackeytnwn was the garden of ifunawiitu, but the above is something wonderful for even that grand spud country. The Fitzherbert Gold-Pields.— During the past tew days the most mysterious, and we might say the most marvellous storias have beuti floating about, concerningthe richness -of some quartz, said to hay« been brought from Fitziierbert. Our informant was cne of those who »aw the specimen, and as he is an old digger, he was disgusted at its richness. The quartz shown was so rich that he is afrai'l it belies the statement made a3 to where it was found. Be that as it may, another experienced digger, Mr. Harry JSastnaan, went to the alleged vicinity yesterday morning. The Sale of Privileges.— Mr. Snelson, on Saturday disposed of th# privileges m connection with the Annivenay Races. The Gates were put up at £5 »nd finally knocked down to Mr. Stevens for £37. Mr. Heaton bought the Saddling Paddock, at £7 ss. The Grand Stand fell to the bid of Mr. Jordan, at £10. Mr. Batchelar bought Booth No. 1, for £10 10s ; and Mr Sheerin, No. 2, for £3. Th« lUfresh ment Booth was bought by Mr. Heaton for £3 10s ; and the Cards by Mr. Howard, £2 10s. The- whole proceeds of the sale realised somewhere about £73 toward the funds of the Committee. A Distinguished Settler. —Wo hare heard it whispered amongst those who assume to know, that there is every probability of the Hon. Mr. Bryce becoming a settler m Manawatu. It is well known that that gentleman is the owner of considerable land m the Kiwi lea district, and the rumor is that he is about to take personal possession of it, and settle upon it. The newt is matter for congratulation, for beside hare not only a Member of Parliament but a Minister of the Crown, for a resident, and gaining an enterprising and experienced settler, Manawatu will have the proud distinction of claiming a man who boasts — with George Washington — that lit nev«r told a lie. Slaughter Of Cattle.— There is no doubt that the unfortunate settlers along the Foxton Line have paid, and are paying pretty deaily for the privilege of having a railway line running near their land. The latest victim is Mr. Wiek3, who on one night alone had five head of cattle run down and killed. This makes eleven that he has lost within a very short time. Mr. Wicks, we regret to say, is by no means a rich man ; but even if he were, his exchequer would want to be extra full to stand such wholesale drain. We have often wondered, as a matter of curiosity how many animals are slaughtered yearly, and evidently the same idea must have struck Mr. George Richardson, of Karere — himself i«o small sufferer - as we see he asks for statistics through our advertising columns. A Benefactor to the County.— Since the new Dog Registration Act has come into force, the greatest difficulty has been experienced by settlers m disposing of their superfluous canine property. At this juncture Mr. Philip Si raker came to the rescue and relieved them of their unwished for charges. Mr. St inker has undertaken a contract for the desi ruction of rabbits m the Wairarapa, and lonsequentlv to assist him m the work, he is iv.t only prepared to accept any dug sriven !>■ i.iiii. but has Itiid trips For snaring cv-jry ;:tra;i< cur he coulil Bnd m the county. \VV i)kl >>■! wit-ness his depart uw ourselves, !u; w>> hive been credibly informed thtil. when lie made his exit from Pnlmer-=ton, i:e held m lib hand some couple of hundred strings — more or less — at r!i« -.tlifi- aiic 1 . oi iviiii. 1 ': str-u^io'd a canine captive. The Palmerston Cemetery. — Those who have friends bnrier! m the Cemetery, and others desirous of securing burial sites, liarl better make a note of an intimation given by the Treasurer m another column. The Trustees have set apart this flay fortnight, and the three following days for the especial purpose of enabling persons to select burial sites. This notire is especially important to parsons having friends already interred m the reserve as after the time mentioned has expired, they will be unable to purchase ground, and the consequence will be that no fences or railings can be erected around the graves. On the other hand, a purchase of the site will secure not only that right, but the privilege of removing a body from the reserve to whatever section may be selected. Another Equine Disaster.— W« regret to hear that a very valuable horse, belonging to Mr. Silver, met with such injuries through falling down a well, that it is very doubtful if it will recover. The animal was missed on Sunday, and although it must have met with the mishap on Saturday night, it was not until Monday afternoon that it was discovered. The wall was thirteen feet deep, and although there was no water m it, m its struggles it had buried itself m the gravel up to it* haunches. A side branch was quickly cut to the well, but the poor animal had been so exhausted with its previous struggles that it had to dragged out, and when liberated, placed on its side all night covered up, with men watching it. It is very doubtful whether it will recover, but if so, it will be some time before it regains its original strength. Removing from the District.— We are qoi'e sure the numerous friends of Mr. Frank Knowles will join m our deep regret at the more than probability of his removal from the district. He had been told off to survey the Himataunga Block, but unfortunately the Natives would not agree to allow the survey to proceed, and now he has received orders to hold himself m readiness to proceed to another district. Sinre he has been m the Manawatu — now nearly two years — be has won golden opinions from evory one with whom he has been brought into contact, his hand was ever stretched forth when assistance was required, and head and heart was always at the command of whatever movement could give enjoyment or recreation. Wo trust tlmfc something may turn up to interfere with his removal ; but should there not, he will carry with him the very best wishes of all classes of the community. Wesleyan Concert. —We have b«.en given to uiv'^rstan'l that special arrongements are Seiug v. ade for the Weslevnn Concert, which i.« to take »!«•'© on the 22nd, The members of that body have been most, li>eml m their assistance to other denominations when tneir services required, and can now claim Ihe support of all. We are much pleiistitl that the demonstration \* to take form of ;i roncurt, intend .>fii tft:i-ini-ptiri-.'. tt- it will enable the .'■\h >;. .iic-i of !he '!:s!v:i:t, ?O bc'OW their , „i. .',,..,„ ,, „n j t'm- ivnv" •■■ii-ir gratitude :<.■■! h-v k'.n-'lv Ji'.' ; V> t':''iv C : iur"'i has I\J- ,-. ;■,'• .■• :n [:->-■ V>:i-t.' v 'ril-iii'li''* '' I'O not SUp- ■,-, -s'm ;,', i ■:!<•■(■;•; > "> '■-'' f - J.'>;icular dc-i:i.iv^i-iMons >v!.:-ii eh? Kf>r. i\ir. Byng, of •; •.,;,, .-;.., : . I :.;;:■!: „f ; ' ::; : : clergyman, ••. „ ; ,. ,• ;v ,•:.-.•■; i !.:■:■.! .'in " Kmid and but- ; ; . „.,■■,;,.,. o;, -;r-fusv rcn»mbleß and gorges," but they' are supposed to retwn

any kindnesses which they may receive, and our Wesleyan brethren have now given them an opportunity of doing so. The Late Station-Master.— The numerous friends of Mr Djke« r tl»ela(e sta^ tion master at PalineMton, will ,be pleasejl to hear that on Saturday he returned aftcjr many months' absence*, if not; completely restored to, at least materially bonefltted- m, health. . After being kn inmate o£ the Hospital for s considerable time ...with* little or no effect, he was advised to take a trip to Melbourne, and to the sea voyage may be attributecUhe-beneficiaLre.sult9. _His_case, however, is a particularly hard one, as after going throngh the ordeal of a long and try* ing-sickness, he -now finds himself -thrown, out of employment, without the least hope of obtaining it. Of course since his health forced him to retire, as, is well known, considerable reductions hare taken place m the CivUServiee, and upon his presenting himself at headquarter* at Wellington, and reporting himself fit for service, he was informed there wat not a particle of a chance of obtaining it. Actors versus Amateurs.— One of the best stories that we have heard . for some timecomts from the Borough o-f Marton, and was related to us by one of the parties themselves — and one very much interested. During the visit of the ClintonBurford Dramatic Compant, one of the troupe inquired of a leading amateur what sort | of patrons were the Bulltorians and what chance there would be by a visit' to Bulls, " None whatever," said the non-pro-fessional, "-We paid a visit recently and w*. turned money away from the door," " Turned money away," interrogated the Knight of the Buskin. " Oh, then that is the place for us." " Yes," replied the amateur, "there were only three persons -put' m an appearance, and we turned them and their money .away." Wa wonder if the disappointed amateur solved the enigma when his professional friend brought his company to Bulls, and by the solicitation of the townsfolk, under a payable guaraatee, gave a second performance. It was just the difference between the pure and the brummagem article. The Inquest on Mr. Reardon. — The inquest upon Edward Reardon has caused a considerable amount of discussion, not only at the Coronial inquiry itself, but throughout the town. Both before the commencement and at the termination of the inquest, the foreman protested against the useless waste of time of some fifteen persons, by the holding of an investigation which was unnecessary, and a resolution was carried by the jury to that effect. While we heart ily agree with the principle enunciated by the foreman, we must say that with regard to the case under consideration, we cannot see how the Coroner could have acted m any way other than he did. | There is no doubt that rumors were afloat hinting at brutality and neglect on the part of the medical men, and beside the duty which the Coroner owed to the public and the dead man, it would be a gross injustice. to the persons who were attai-ked to aHow the reports to pass by unsifted. We thoroughly agree with the Coroner that, it were far better that the living should be somewhat iucon?enieueed, than that a wrong toward the dead should remain unpunished ; at the same time we think the Coroner should hare called upon the party upon whose information the inquiry was instituted to substantiate his statements. We must say that not only from the evidence adduced at the inquest, but from persons to whom we have spoken privately, the conduct of Drs. Maclaehlan and Marriner have besn more than ordinary commendable. The case, we believe, was m charge of the former gentleman, and so far from there being tlie slighest cause cf complaint, all those who read the evidence must declare that ha is entitled to the highest praise for his care attention to the unfortunate man. Freeman and Wylds v. Crabbtree. — This now celebrated case came to a close on Saturday >veoing, when a judgment for £45, and costs were given, the plaintiffs also to have possession of the pipes m dispute, valued at about £50. It is not often that, the gentlemen of the long robe secure a ease with an extended jurisdic tion, and when they do they make t he most of it. The evidence, which occupied two days m the taking, was of the dryest character possible, but the conclunion of the ease was enlivened by some brilliant display of of forensic eloquence. Mr. Perkins, who led the forlorn hope, thronghout the examination fought step by step, leading up to his closing speech, which lasted sixty-five minutes. From the very first he had a losing battle to fight, and having no evidence to support -him, had to rely upon special pleading.. If a case could have been won, he would have scored a victory, but if he obtained a judgment, it would have been m the face of a formidable array of facts againsl it. At the close of his defence he was gracefully complimented by his opponent, a compliment which every one m the court must have endorsed. Mr. Staite wa for the plaintiffs, and although he had a mass of evidence m his favor, his last address was one of the best we have ever heard him deliver. He picked cut ev«ry flaw m his adversary's armor, reviewed the evidence m a masterly manner, and never lost sight of one grain which would strengthen ■ his ease. We feel quite sure that both plaintiffs and defendant must hare felt tba? the best energies of their respective coun* sels had been put forth m their behalf.